11:21:00

Ward ready to go for Millers

Big
things are expected of Danny Ward this season and the Rotherham
forward is ready to to deliver.

The
23-year-old joined the Millers in the January transfer window for an
undisclosed fee from Huddersfield time and endured a frustrating
first six months in South Yorkshire.

He
scored three goals, including vital ones in a draw at Charlton and a
home win over Millwall, and played an important role in the
late-season run which saw the Millers claim Championship safety.

But
in the middle of that was a series of niggles which ended up keeping
him out for a month.

With
his ability to win headers, beat a man for pace and his versatility
across the front line, Ward is sure to be a key asset for Steve
Evans' men this season as they try to crack mid-table security in the
second tier.

And
Ward believes a full and testing pre-season is just what needs ahead
of next month's big kick-off.

“I’m
definitely excited about what next season could bring,” he said.
“It was hard at Huddersfield because I wasn’t playing.

“It
was just training and knowing I wasn’t going to play at the
weekend. It’s hard to keep that motivation.

“But
coming to Rotherham and knowing I was going to be involved at the
weekends gave me massive confidence. It makes you want to work hard
and be ready.

“It’s
really good here and I’m really looking forward to the start of the
season.

“Pre-season
has been all right. Obviously, pre-season is pre-season. It’s good
to get involved in games again and get those under our belts. I’m
feeling good, touch wood. I’m feeling ready to go.

“I’ve
just got to keep myself in good shape and get ready for the games.”